U.S. patent application number 11/506190 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for information readers, apparatuses including information readers, and related methods.
Invention is credited to Thomas Mazowiesky.
Application Number | 20070040029 11/506190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37561084 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070040029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mazowiesky; Thomas |
February 22, 2007 |
Information readers, apparatuses including information readers, and
related methods
Abstract
This invention relates to the field of information reading, and
more specifically, to an improved information reader in a validator
which eliminates the requirement to insert an information source in
a particular direction in an information reader.
Inventors: |
Mazowiesky; Thomas;
(Patchogue, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Family ID: |
37561084 |
Appl. No.: |
11/506190 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60709433 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/440 ;
235/462.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 13/07 20130101;
G06K 7/10871 20130101; G06K 17/00 20130101; G07D 7/0043
20170501 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/440 ;
235/462.01 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/00 20060101
G06K007/00; G06K 7/10 20060101 G06K007/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 14, 2006 |
WO |
PCT/US06/31671 |
Claims
1. A validator, comprising: at least two information readers
configured to read information from an information source; and a
transporter configured to physically transport the information
source past the at least two information readers such that at least
one of the at least two information readers reads information from
the information source.
2. The validator of claim 1, wherein the at least two information
readers are configured to read information from different sides of
the information source.
3. The validator of claim 1, wherein the at least two information
readers are offset from each other in a direction of transport of
the information source.
4. The validator of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein
the at least two information readers are disposed in the housing
such that each of the at least two information readers can only
read information disposed on one side of the information
source.
5. The validator of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein
the at least two information readers are disposed in the housing
such that a first of the at least two information readers can only
read information disposed on a first side of the information source
and a first of the at least two information readers can only read
information disposed on a second side of the information source
different from the first side.
6. A system including the validator of claim 1.
7. A validator, comprising: a first information reader configured
to read a first information portion disposed on a first portion of
an information source; a second information reader configured to
read a second information portion disposed on a second portion of
the information source different from the first portion; a
transporter configured to physically transport the information
source past the first information reader and the second information
reader such that the first information reader reads the first
information portion from the first portion of the information
source and the second information reader reads the second
information portion from the second portion of the information
source; and a microprocessor configured to combine the first
information portion and a second information portion into a third
information portion.
8. The validator of claim 7, further comprising a housing, wherein
the first information portion is disposed in the housing on a first
side of the information source and the second information portion
is disposed in the housing on a second side of the information
source different from the first side.
9. The validator of claim 7, further comprising a housing, wherein
the at least two information readers are offset from each other in
the housing in a direction of transport of the information
source.
10. The validator of claim 7, wherein the first information portion
is a first barcode portion, the second information portion is a
second barcode portion, and the third information portion is a
complete barcode.
11. The validator of claim 10, wherein the complete barcode has
more than 20 characters.
12. A system including the validator of claim 7.
13. A method, comprising: providing a validator including at least
two information readers; inserting an information source into the
validator; transporting the information source past the at least
two information readers; and reading information from the
information source via at least one of the at least two information
readers.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising reading information
from the information source via both of the at least two
information readers.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising reading a first
information portion via a first of the at least two information
readers and reading a second information portion via a second of
the at least two information readers.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising reading a first
information portion from a first side of the information source via
a first of the at least two information readers and reading a
second information portion from a second side of the information
source via a second of the at least two information readers.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein a first information portion is
read by a first of the at least two information readers during a
first time interval and a second information portion is read by a
second of the at least information readers during a second time
interval different from the first time interval.
18. A method, comprising: providing a validator including a first
information reader and a second information reader; inserting an
information source into the validator; transporting the information
source past the first information reader and the second information
reader; reading a first information portion from the information
source via the first information reader and a second information
portion from the information source via the second information
reader; and combining the first information and the second
information portion into a third information portion.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first information portion
is disposed on a first side of the information source and the
second information portion is disposed on a second side of the
information source different from the first side.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first information portion
is read by the first information reader during a first time
interval and the second information portion is read by the second
information reader during a second time interval different from the
first time interval.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the first information portion
is a first barcode portion, the second information portion is a
second barcode portion, and the third information portion is a
complete barcode.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the complete barcode has more
than 20 characters.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of barcode reading, and
more specifically, to an improved barcode reader in a currency
validator which eliminates the requirement to insert a barcode
coupon in a particular direction in a reader.
[0002] In the casino gaming industry, the use of barcode coupons
has risen in recent years. These `cashless` systems allow a player
to transfer funds using a printed barcode coupon.
[0003] For example, a coupon can be inserted into a slot machine
game via the currency validator. The currency validator reads the
coupon and transmits the coupon number to the machine. The slot
machine then transmits the coupon number to a central system, which
verifies the coupon number, and then transmits a stored linked
value to the slot machine game. The slot machine game credits the
customer with the transmitted value, allowing the customer to play
the game. After the customer completes game play, he `cashes out`
by hitting a button on the slot machine. The slot machine signals
the central system, transferring the credit to the system or the
player. The system then instructs the game to print a new barcode
coupon. The user can then take the coupon and play another game, or
go to the cashier and receive money in exchange for the coupon.
[0004] This system allows the casino to eliminate much of the time
and expense devoted to cash handling. Cash need not be secured,
counted, guarded, etc--the only effort expended is for a computer
system to keep track of the value the customer has earned while
transferring between games. Since the coupons have no inherent
value once redeemed by the system, used coupons are discarded and
need not be handled, as currency would be.
[0005] Until now, the validators that read the coupons have been
limited to reading coupons either face up or face down when
inserted in the reader, as the validators contain only one barcode
reader device either above or below the bill channel. When inserted
in the wrong direction, the coupon will be rejected, causing the
customer to re-insert the coupon until he hopefully discovers his
error and inserts it properly. This limitation can confuse the
customer and cause play to be delayed, thus reducing the revenue to
the casino. In some cases, the customer may get frustrated to the
point that he cashes out and takes his business elsewhere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Methods and apparatus are disclosed in which a barcode
reading device is placed both above and below a coupon. According
to one embodiment, the barcode reading device may simultaneously
read both sides of the coupon. The results from the reader may be
used to transfer a number from the coupon-to a host computer
system.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a coupon printed with
barcodes on both sides of the coupon is provided, and then read by
the dual barcode reader.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention may include a device for
validating barcoded coupons. The device may include a means for
forming a bill channel with an entrance and exit, a means for
positioning a barcode reading detector above the bill channel, a
means for positioning a barcode reading detector below the bill
channel, a means to transport the coupon so that the barcode
symbols on the coupon are moved perpendicular to the barcode
detectors, a means to sample the signal from the barcode detectors,
a means for storing digital representations of the samples from the
barcode detectors, and/or a means for analyzing the digital
representations of the sampled signals to determine and decode the
coupon number and/or the digital representations stored
therein.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention may include a device for
validating barcoded coupons. The device may include a means for
forming a bill channel with an entrance and exit, a means for
positioning a barcode reading detector above the bill channel, a
means for positioning a barcode reading detector below the bill
channel, a means to transport the coupon so that the barcode
symbols on the coupon are moved perpendicular to the barcode
detectors, a means to sample the signal from the barcode detectors
constructing a digital representation of the sampled signal, and/or
a means for analyzing the digital representations of the sampled
signals to determine and decode the coupon number and/or the
digital representations stored therein.
[0010] Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more
of the following aspects: the number decoded from the barcode
detectors may be combined together to form a decoded coupon number
with the sum of digits of the separate barcode numbers; the number
decoded may be the product of the separate barcode coupon numbers;
and the separate coupon numbers may be prime numbers.
[0011] A further embodiment of the invention may include a
validator. The validator may include at least two information
readers configured to read information from an information source
and a transporter configured to physically transport the
information source past the at least two information readers such
that at least one of the at least two information readers reads
information from the information source.
[0012] Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more
of the following aspects: the at least two information readers may
be configured to read information from different sides of the
information source; the at least two information readers may be
offset from each other in a direction of transport of the
information source; a housing; the at least two information readers
may be disposed in the housing such that each of the at least two
information readers can only read information disposed on one side
of the information source; the at least two information readers may
be disposed in the housing such that a first of the at least two
information readers can only read information disposed on a first
side of the information source and a first of the at least two
information readers can only read information disposed on a second
side of the information source different from the first side; and a
system including the validator.
[0013] Yet another embodiment of the invention may include a
validator. The validator may include a first information reader
configured to read a first information portion disposed on a first
portion of an information source, a second information reader
configured to read a second information portion disposed on a
second portion of the information source different from the first
portion, a transporter configured to physically transport the
information source past the first information reader and the second
information reader such that the first information reader reads the
first information portion from the first portion of the information
source and the second information reader reads the second
information portion from the second portion of the information
source, and a microprocessor configured to combine the first
information portion and a second information portion into a third
information portion.
[0014] Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more
of the following aspects: a housing; the first information portion
may be disposed in the housing on a first side of the information
source and the second information portion is disposed in the
housing on a second side of the information source different from
the first side; the at least two information readers may be offset
from each other in the housing in a direction of transport of the
information source; the first information portion may be a first
barcode portion; the second information portion may be a second
barcode portion; and the third information portion may be a
complete barcode; the complete barcode may have more than 20
characters; and a system including the validator.
[0015] Still another embodiment of the invention may include a
method. The method may include providing a validator including at
least two information readers, inserting an information source into
the validator, transporting the information source past the at
least two information readers, and reading information from the
information source via at least one of the at least two information
readers.
[0016] Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more
of the following aspects: reading information from the information
source via both of the at least two information readers; reading a
first information portion via a first of the at least two
information readers and reading a second information portion via a
second of the at least two information readers; reading a first
information portion from a first side of the information source via
a first of the at least two information readers and reading a
second information portion from a second side of the information
source via a second of the at least two information readers; and a
first information portion may be read by a first of the at least
two information readers during a first time interval and a second
information portion may be read by a second of the at least
information readers during a second time interval different from
the first time interval.
[0017] A still further embodiment of the invention may include a
method. The method may include providing a validator including a
first information reader and a second information reader, inserting
an information source into the validator, transporting the
information source past the first information reader and the second
information reader, reading a first information portion from the
information source via the first information reader and a second
information portion from the information source via the second
information reader, and combining the first information and the
second information portion into a third information portion.
[0018] Various embodiments of the invention may include one or more
of the following aspects: the first information portion may be
disposed on a first side of the information source and the second
information portion may be disposed on a second side of the
information source different from the first side; the first
information portion may be read by the first information reader
during a first time interval and the second information portion may
be read by the second information reader during a second time
interval different from the first time interval; the first
information portion may be a first barcode portion, the second
information portion may be a second barcode portion, and the third
information portion may be a complete barcode; and the complete
barcode may have more than 20 characters.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a validator, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts an information reader of the validator of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an information source, according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3C depicts an information source, according to yet
another embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 3D depicts an information source, according to a yet
further embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 depicts an apparatus including the validator of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a method of processing information, according
to a further embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a method of reading information, for
example, a barcode, according to still another embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a validator 100 according to one embodiment
consistent with the principles of the present invention. Validator
100 may include a housing 1 and may be disposed in apparatus 300,
for example, as shown in FIG. 4. Housing 1 may house, accommodate,
and/or define one or more of insertion channel(s) 2, actuator(s) 3,
gear(s) 4, 5, 6, pulley(s) 7, drive belts 8, 9, first information
reader 10, second information reader 11, roller(s) 12, drive
wheel(s) 14, first signal source 15, first signal detector 16, and
microprocessor 17. Validator 100 may be disposed in any suitable
apparatus 300 as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a slot machine.
[0031] Portions of validator 100 defining and/or surrounding
insertion channel 2 may be configured to receive and transport an
information source 200, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A-3D,
inserted therein. Specifically, a combination of one or more
actuator(s) 3, gear(s) 4, 5, 6, pulley(s) 7, drive belts 8, 9,
roller(s) 12, and drive wheel(s) 14 may be configured to receive
and transport information source 200, for example, those shown in
any one of FIGS. 3A-3D.
[0032] First signal source 15 and first signal detector 16 may be
disposed inside housing 1 and/or around insertion channel 2 such
that when no information source 200 is disposed in validator 100
first signal detector 16 receives a substantially continuous signal
from first signal source 15. When information source 200 is
inserted into insertion channel 2, however, information source 200,
or some other portion of validator 100 configured to move due to
the insertion of information source 200, may partially or
completely block the signal from first light source 15 and prevent
all or part of the signal from reaching first signal detector 16.
First signal detector 16 may then inform microprocessor 17 that it
is no longer receiving a signal from first signal source 15 (e.g.,
by sending a signal or ceasing to send a signal), and in turn
microprocessor 17 may activate actuator 3. Actuator 3 may then
cause roller(s) 12 and drive wheel(s) 14 to transport information
source 200 via one or more of gear(s) 4, 5, 6, pulley(s) 7, and
drive belts 8, 9. Information source 200 may be transported in any
direction, for example, away from insertion channel 2. If
information 201 is a barcode, validator 100 may be configured to
move information 201 in a direction substantially perpendicular to
information readers 10, 11. Microprocessor 17 may be configured to
transport information source 200 through validator 100 at any rate,
for example, at a substantially constant and/or steady rate such
that information source 200 does not stop in insertion channel 2.
This may be to assist information readers 10, 11 in reading
information 201 from information source 200. It should be
understood, however, that information source 200 may transport
through validator 100 using any known device and/or method.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, information readers 10, 11 may each
include one or more of housing 18, second signal source 20, second
signal detector 19, and slit 21. Information readers 10, 11 may
include a barcode reader, for example, a barcode reader
manufactured by OPTO TECHNOLOGY, INC. including the OTBC-06XX
series (e.g., OTR 680/690). Information readers 10, 11 may operate
using any known method and/or algorithm. For example, second signal
source 20 may project a signal through slit 21. The signal may
impinge on an information source, for example, information source
200. Information source 200 and/or information 201 disposed on
information source 200 may alter and/or reflect at least a portion
of the signal from second signal source 20 to second signal
detector 19. Second signal detector 19 may detect the
altered/reflected signal and/or information 201 and send it to
microprocessor 17 for processing. Information readers 10, 11 may be
configured such that unless second signal detector 19 is detecting
a signal altered and/or reflected by information 201 (e.g., a
barcode), second signal detector 19 will not send a signal and/or
information 201 to microprocessor 17. In the alternative,
information readers 10, 11 may send a continuous signal to
microprocessor 17, and microprocessor 17 may determine which of
these continuous signals is information 201.
[0034] In a further example, information readers 10, 11 (or,
depending on the process, one of microprocessors 17, 317, 417) may
implement the following exemplary algorithm set forth in FIGS. 6A
and 6B.
[0035] In another example, information readers 10, 11 (or,
depending on the process, one of microprocessors 17, 317, 417) may
implement the following exemplary algorithm set forth in C
code:
[0036] First signal source 15 and/or second signal source 20 may be
any known signal source known in the art, for example, a light
source, a light-emitting diode (LED), an infrared LED, a red LED,
and/or a blue LED. First signal detector 16 and/or second signal
detector 19 may be any known signal detector, for example, a light
detector, an LED light detector, an infrared light detector, and/or
a blue light detector.
[0037] Information source 200 may be any known device and/or
material capable of carrying information, for example, paper(s),
plastic(s), bank note(s), a computer chip(s), and/or metal(s.
Information source 200 may have any desired size, shape, and/or
configuration, for example, a substantially rectangular paper
receipt.
[0038] Information 201 may be any information, for example,
barcode(s), text, picture(s), personal information, and/or computer
code(s). Information 201 may be disposed on information source 200
using any known method, for example, ink(s), chemical(s),
watermark(s), depression(s), and/or protrusion(s). Information 201
may be disposed on any portion of information source 200. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, information 201a may be
disposed on one side of information source 200, while information
source 201b may be disposed on another side of information source
200. Information 201a, 201b may be disposed on substantially
opposing portions of information source 200 and/or may be disposed
on longitudinally offset portions. Information 201a may be the same
as information 201b, or may be different. In another example,
information 201 may be disposed on only side of information source
200.
[0039] Information source 200 may be transported through validator
100 such that at least one of information readers 10, 11 may read
information 201 disposed on information source 200. Validator 100
may be configured such that at least one of information readers 10,
11 may read information 201 disposed on information source 200 as
information source 200 is being transported through validator 100.
For example, information readers 10, 11 may be disposed on opposite
sides of insertion channel 2. In another example, information
readers 10, 11 may be disposed such that each of information
readers 10, 11 may simultaneously read information 201 from
information source 200. In a further example, information readers
10, 11 may be disposed such that information readers 10, 11 cannot
simultaneously read information 201 from information source 200. In
yet another example, information readers 10, 11 may be staggered
and/or offset in a longitudinal direction of insertion channel 2
and/or a transport direction of information source 200, for
example, as shown in FIG. 1. This may assist in preventing signals
from information readers 10, 11 from interfering with each other.
In a yet further example, information readers 10, 11 may be
substantially disposed across from each other around insertion
channel 2. In still another example, information readers 10, 11,
may be disposed substantially parallel to each other. In a still
further example, information readers 10, 11, may be disposed at an
angle relative to each other. Other configurations of information
readers 10, 11 relative to each other are contemplated. Information
readers 10, 11, may be configured to continuously operate and/or
operate only when information source 200 is positioned such that
information readers 10, 11 can read information 201 from
information source 200.
[0040] Once information source 200 has cleared information readers
10, 11, information source 200 may cease to block the signal from
first signal source 15 to first signal detector 16. Accordingly,
first signal detector 16 may inform microprocessor 17 that it is no
longer receiving a signal or is receiving a signal if previously
blocked from first signal source 15 (e.g., by sending a signal or
ceasing to send a signal), and in turn microprocessor 17 may
deactivate actuator 3. The deactivation of actuator 3 may then
cause one or more of gear(s) 4, 5, 6, pulley(s) 7, drive belts 8,
9, roller(s) 12, and drive wheel(s) 14 to cease thereby ceasing the
transport of information source 200. At this point, information
source 200 may be held in validator 100 in an escrow position.
[0041] Before, during, or after information source 200 may be held
in an escrow position, microprocessor 17 may be processing
information 201 and/or other information sent by information
readers 10, 11. For example, microprocessor 17 may determine
whether one or more of information 201 and/or other information is
valid information 201. If so, information 201 may be sent to
another microprocessor 317 disposed in apparatus 300, for example,
a gambling machine. In another example, microprocessor 17 may
determine whether one or more of information 201 and/or other
information is indeed the same information or related information.
Microprocessor 17, 317 may also or alternatively process the
information 201 and/or other information using any known
algorithm.
[0042] Microprocessor 17, 317 may transmit the information to
central processor 417, for example, a casino's central processor.
Central processor 417 may process information 201 using any known
algorithm, for example, verify information 201 and then transmit to
microprocessor 17, 317 one or more stored values related to
information 201, for example, monetary value information.
Microprocessor 17, 317 may then signal validator 100 to accept
and/or store information source 200. Microprocessor 17, 317 may
then display the one or more stored values on apparatus 300, for
example, providing credits on the slot machine so that the user may
play.
[0043] Central processor 417 may also or alternatively decide that
information 201 is incorrect, fraudulent, and/or not verified, in
which case central processor 417 may send a signal to
microprocessor 17, 317 to reject the information source, in which
case microprocessor 17, 317 may cause validator 100 to either eject
information source 200 and/or store information source 200 without
allowing a user to operate apparatus 300.
[0044] In another embodiment, validator 100 may be used to read
information 201a, 201b that is disposed on two or more portions of
information source 200. For example, information 201 may be a
barcode number 201 that is too long to be placed on one side of an
information source 200 (e.g., barcode number 201 may have more than
about 20 characters). In that case, information 201 may be broken
up into at least two information portions 201a, 201b and be placed
on two or more portions of information source 200, for example,
opposite sides of information source 200. Validator 100 may then be
used to determine information 201, for example, information readers
10, 11 may each read one of information portions 201a, 201b.
Information readers 10, 11 may each read either of information
portions 201a, 201b. At least one of information portions 201a,
201b may include additional information different from information
201 that may assist one of microprocessor 17, 317, 417 in
determining how information portions 201a, 201b are related, for
example, which of barcode number portions 201a, 201b goes "first"
to create longer barcode number 201. Such longer barcode numbers
201 may be desirable, for example, to prevent the recycling of
barcode numbers.
[0045] Embodiments of the invention may include a method of reading
information 201 from an information source 200 using validator 100,
for example, as shown in FIG. 5. In an example where information
201 is disposed on only one side of information source 200, a user
may place information source 200 including information 201 in
insertion channel 2. Information source 200 may interrupt a signal
between first signal source 15 and first signal detector 16,
causing actuator 3 to activate, for example, via first signal
detector 16 either sending a signal or ceasing to send a signal to
microprocessor 17. Actuator 3 may actuate one or more of gear(s) 4,
5, 6, pulley(s) 7, drive belts 8, 9, roller(s) 12, and drive
wheel(s) 14 and cause information source 200 to be transported
further into validator 100.
[0046] While information source 200 is being transported through
validator 100, information source 200 may be sent past information
readers 10, 11. One of information readers 10, 11 may read
information 201 from one side of information source 200. To read
information 201, second signal source 20 from one of information
readers 10, 11 may send a signal that may be reflected, altered,
and/or changed by information 201 and then detected by second
signal detector 19. Second signal detector 19 may then send a
signal to microprocessor 17. In the alternative, signal detector 19
may send continuous signals to microprocessor 17, in which case
microprocessor 17 may determine which of the signals constitutes
information 201. When microprocessor 17 determines that is has
received information 201, microprocessor 17 may process information
201 and/or send information 201 to microprocessor 317 in apparatus
300.
[0047] Microprocessor 17, 317 may process information 201 using any
known algorithm, for example, if information 201 is a barcode,
determine the barcode number. Microprocessor 17, 317 may then send
information 201 to central processor 417. Central processor 417 may
then associate information 201 with stored values, for example, a
monetary value information and/or personal information. Central
processor 417 may then send one or more of those stored values back
to microprocessor 17, 317, and then microprocessor 17, 317 may
display the stored values on apparatus 300, for example, display
monetary value information on a slot machine. Microprocessor 17,
317 may also at that point allow use of apparatus 300 and/or store
information source 300. Central processor 417 may in the
alternative determine that information 201 is not valid, and thus
send a signal to microprocessor 17, 317 to either reject or retain
information source 200. In such a case, apparatus 300 could not be
used.
[0048] In an example where information 201a, 201b is disposed on
both sides of information source 200, a user may place information
source 200 including information 201a, 201b in insertion channel 2.
Information source 200 may interrupt a signal between first signal
source 15 and first signal detector 16, causing actuator 3 to
activate, for example, via first signal detector 16 either sending
a signal or ceasing to send a signal to microprocessor 17. Actuator
3 may actuate one or more of gear(s) 4, 5, 6, pulley(s) 7, drive
belts 8, 9, roller(s) 12, and drive wheel(s) 14 and cause
information source 200 to be transported further into validator
100.
[0049] While information source 200 is being transported through
validator 100, information source 200 may be sent past information
readers 10, 11. Each of information readers 10, 11 may read one of
information 201a, 201b. Depending on the configuration of
information readers 10, 11, information readers 10, 11 may read
their respective information 201a, 201b at the same time or at
different times. For example, if information 201a, 201b are
disposed at substantially corresponding points on opposite sides of
information source 200, but information readers 10, 11 are offset
in a direction of travel of information source 200 through
validator 100, than information readers 10, 11 may read their
respective information 201a, 201b at different times. Other
configurations or information readers 10, 11 in validator 100
and/or information 201a, 201b on information source 200 are
contemplated.
[0050] To read information 201, second signal source 20 from one of
information readers 10, 11 may send a signal that may be reflected,
altered, and/or changed by one of information 201s, 201b and then
detected by second signal detector 19. Second signal detector 19
may then send a signal to microprocessor 17 corresponding to one of
information 201a, 201b. In the alternative, signal detector 19 may
send continuous signals to microprocessor 17, in which case
microprocessor 17 may determine which of the signals constitutes
information 201a, 201b. When microprocessor 17 determines that is
has received information 201a, 201b, microprocessor 17 may process
information 201a, 201b and/or send information 201a, 201b to
microprocessor 317 in apparatus 300.
[0051] Microprocessor 17, 317 may process information 201a, 201b
using any known algorithm. For example, if information 201a, 201b
(e.g., barcode portions) are different portions of a single piece
of information 201 (e.g., a barcode), microprocessor 17, 317 may
combine information 201a, 201b into single piece of information
201. One of information 201a, 201b may include additional
information that indicates to microprocessor 17, 317 how to combine
information 201a, 201b into single piece of information 201.
Microprocessor 17, 317 may then send information 201 to central
processor 417. Central processor 417 may then associate information
201 with stored values, for example, a monetary value information
and/or personal information. Central processor 417 may then send
one or more of those stored values back to microprocessor 17, 317,
and then microprocessor 17, 317 may display the stored values on
apparatus 300, for example, display monetary value information on a
slot machine. Microprocessor 17, 317 may also at that point allow
use of apparatus 300 and/or store information source 300. Central
processor 417 may in the alternative determine that information 201
is not valid, and thus send a signal to microprocessor 17, 317 to
either reject or retain information source 200. In such a case,
apparatus 300 could not be used.
[0052] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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